Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Henry Hayes’ and his wife Stephanie practice what they preach.
The Virginia couple has fostered 13 children and adopted two - even after their biological children left for college.
“Giving to those who cannot give back is what the true essence of giving is,” Hayes said. “We know society does not produce great and glorious things for everyone, and if we’re able to offset pain or discomfort and reshape the future for someone else, why not?”
A number of the foster children reach the Hayes' doorstep with backgrounds rooted in drug addiction, physical danger or abandonment.
The family has always made an effort to serve people in need - Stephanie and Henry even adopted 10-year-olds Shania and Jaylan. Jaylan is a special needs child and had "significant health issues" when he arrived.
“Some stayed a few days, some stayed a few months, and obviously, these two stayed several years, but they have their permanency now,” Hayes said. “There are some people who are too afraid that they’ll get hurt or too attached. If you don’t, you’re wrong.”
From help with homework to family vacations, the Hayes look to their military and church family for support.
“The military does make it easier, you have that comfort and acceptance,” Hayes explained. “Our church accepted them and loved on them. Every place that we’ve gone has been like that -- these are our children and our faith plays a big part in that.”
Stephanie and Henry urge others to look beyond themselves and reach out to people who are truly in need.
“One of the things that pains my heart a little bit is that we talk about what we don’t like in society, but we don’t do enough to mitigate it,” Hayes said.

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. —

Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Henry Hayes’ and his wife Stephanie practice what they preach.

The Virginia couple has fostered 13 children and adopted two - even after their biological children left for college.

Advertisement

“Giving to those who cannot give back is what the true essence of giving is,” Hayes said. “We know society does not produce great and glorious things for everyone, and if we’re able to offset pain or discomfort and reshape the future for someone else, why not?”

A number of the foster children reach the Hayes' doorstep with backgrounds rooted in drug addiction, physical danger or abandonment.

The family has always made an effort to serve people in need - Stephanie and Henry even adopted 10-year-olds Shania and Jaylan. Jaylan is a special needs child and had "significant health issues" when he arrived.

“Some stayed a few days, some stayed a few months, and obviously, these two stayed several years, but they have their permanency now,” Hayes said. “There are some people who are too afraid that they’ll get hurt or too attached. If you don’t, you’re wrong.”

From help with homework to family vacations, the Hayes look to their military and church family for support.

“The military does make it easier, you have that comfort and acceptance,” Hayes explained. “Our church [also] accepted them and loved on them. Every place that we’ve gone has been like that -- these are our children and our faith plays a big part in that.”

Stephanie and Henry urge others to look beyond themselves and reach out to people who are truly in need.

“One of the things that pains my heart a little bit is that we talk about what we don’t like in society, but we don’t do enough to mitigate it,” Hayes said.